If you have the Internet connected using a USB modem to one computer, and you need to distribute it to other devices, including over a Wi-Fi network, then you will need a router with support for 3G / 4G modems. For example, Netis MW5230. This is the only model from Netis that can work with USB modems so far.
I always try to write instructions only after I have checked everything myself. In this case, I have already tested the Netis MW5230 with the Huawei EC306-2 modem from the Ukrainian operator Intertelecom. If you have a different modem or operator - that's okay. You just need to select your operator from the list, or set the parameters for connection manually.
Today (03/29/2018), the list of modems supported by the Netis MW5230 router is not very large. In Ukraine, support for Huawei EC315, EC306-2 and E3531i modems is announced. In Russia: WLTUBA-108, Huawei E3272s, 410D, HuaweiE3272, MTS 827F and 830FT, Huawei Hi-Link E3331, EC 306-2 and EC 315, Yota Wi-Fi Modem LTE, Yota Modem LTE, Beeline MF823 and MF823D. The current list of supported modems can always be downloaded from the Netis website on the download page for the MW5230. The file "netis_MW5230_Compatibility List". In the same place as the new firmware.
The USB port on the Netis MW5230 can be used for other tasks as well. For example, to share files on a USB drive. Read more in the article: setting up shared access to a drive, FTP, DLNA on a Netis router.
If your modem is not in the list of compatible ones, this does not mean that the router will definitely not work with it. It's just that the manufacturer did not check this modem for compatibility. For example, in the comments I found information that Huawei E372 and K4203 modems are also supported. But it may not work. In this case, it is simply impossible to give a specific answer. The problem of incompatibility has to be encountered on any router that supports wireless modems.
How to connect 3G / 4G modem to Netis MW5230 and set up the connection?
Connect power to the router. Connect the modem to the USB port. If necessary, you can plug it in via a small USB extension cable. The "USB" indicator on the router should light up.
My modem got a little sick, so I rewound it with electrical tape 🙂 Also an external CDMA antenna is connected to it.
Most likely, the internet won't work right away. You need to configure your router. To do this, you need to go to its web interface. This can be done from almost any device: PC, laptop, tablet, phone. Better, of course, from a computer.
Connect to Netis MW5230 using a network cable (I connected via cable, you can see it in the photo above), or via Wi-Fi. By default, the Wi-Fi network is named "Netis _ ***". She is protected. Factory password: password. The network name and password are listed on the bottom of the router.
Then open the browser (preferably standard) and go to the addresshttp://netis.cc or 192.168.1.1. If it does not work, see the article on how to enter the settings of the Netis router.
If you have already tried to configure this router, then it is better to reset the parameters to the factory settings. So that the old settings don't interfere with us. To do this, hold down the WPS / Default button for 10 seconds. Or check out this tutorial.
We immediately change the language. As you can see in the screenshot below, you can set the Internet connection settings (including 3G / 4G) and set up a Wi-Fi network on the main page. But I recommend clicking on the "Advanced" button and going to the advanced settings.
On the "Status" tab, at the very bottom there will be a "3G / 4G" section. The line "USB Status" displays the status of the connected modem. As I understand it, when the state is "Plugged", then the modem is connected. You can proceed to setting.
Open the "Network" section and on the "Access Mode" tab, put the switch next to "Only 3G / 4G networks". We save the settings.
Go to the "3G / 4G" tab. If your operator is in the list, then just select it and save the parameters. If not, then take the data registered there and specify the parameters for connecting to your operator. For Intertelecom: "Dialed number" - # 777, "Username" - IT, "Password" - IT.
Save your settings. You can open the advanced settings by clicking on the corresponding button.
Return to the "Status" section. After a while, the connection status should be "Connected".
If there is no Internet connection, then try clicking on the "Connect" button and wait a few minutes. Reboot the router.
What to do if Netis MW5230 cannot connect to the Internet via modem?
Problems are common enough. And the most diverse. It is not always possible to find a solution, but if your Netis MW5230 router does not want to connect to the Internet in any way, then go through these points:
- Reboot the router, go to settings, wait a few minutes (refresh the Status page).
- Check the parameters for connecting to the operator: APN (if necessary), number, username and password.
- If using an extension cord, try without it. Connect the modem directly to the router.
- Make sure that when you connect the modem to your computer, it works and can connect to the Internet. Maybe you just ran out of money in your account.
- It often happens that there is simply no signal. Exactly in the place where the router is installed. This problem must be eliminated.
- Update the firmware on your Netis MW5230. Look at the Netis website, if there is a new version - update.
It is advisable to check all this several times. The circuit is not very stable. Very often, something falls off and does not always work the first time. You have to reboot the equipment, check the settings, etc. Not always, but it happens. Much also depends on the modem and the operator himself.
Well, if you still did not manage to make friends Netis MW5230 with a USB modem, then you can return it back to the store. Or use it for other purposes. As a Wi-Fi repeater, for example.
Be sure to write in the comments if you succeeded in setting up the connection. What is the modem and operator. How it works. This is very useful information for our website visitors.
